JP4594363B2 - Complex exercise toothbrush - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to toothbrush technology.

  More particularly, the present invention relates to an electrically driven toothbrush that is arranged such that the bristles move relative to the handle of the toothbrush. There are many examples of such toothbrushes, including the 1939 disclosure of rotationally driven bristles in US Pat. No. 2,215,031. Similar rotational drive arrangements are also shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,845,795 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,156,620, which convert the rotary motor drive into a reciprocating linear motion. US Pat. No. 3,577,579 describes how the toothbrush head is moved relative to the brush holder and attached to the brush head. A toothbrush is disclosed in which all the bristles move back and forth and side to side with respect to the holder. US Pat. No. 5,625,916 discloses a toothbrush having a single bristle holder. The bristle holder is driven to vibrate in a manner that rotates around the shaft.

  The drive mechanisms and brush motions disclosed in these references range from relatively simple to relatively complex. The most complex of the disclosed toothbrushes are used to provide elaborate brushing movements. While the brushing motion provided is beneficial, the means disclosed to provide it are too complex and include too many moving parts to become a practical brushing solution for many applications. The simpler toothbrush disclosed provides only one brushing activity. While these single brushing activities are practical for manufacturing, they may be inappropriate for some brushing applications. For example, the space between teeth may not be cleaned properly.

  Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a toothbrush that is simple to manufacture and has few moving parts while providing multiple cleaning or brushing activities to accomplish multiple tooth cleaning tasks.

  One embodiment of the novel toothbrush includes a handle portion at a first end of the toothbrush, a head portion at the second end of the toothbrush, a rotating shaft extending from the handle portion to the head portion and having a first longitudinal central axis, the head portion A first bristle holder coupled to the distal end of the shaft and received in a slot of the first bristle holder for pivotally attaching to the first bristle holder to drive the first bristle holder in a pivoting vibrational motion; A second bristle holder is movably attached and fitted to be driven by a cam located on the shaft.

  Another embodiment of the electric toothbrush includes a shaft. The shaft includes a first cam and a second cam. A motor that acts to rotate the shaft is also included in the toothbrush. The first brush portion is connected to act on the first cam for the first movement. The second brush portion is longitudinally separated from the first brush portion and is coupled separately from the second cam to drive the second brush portion in the second motion. The second exercise is different from the first exercise.

  A third embodiment of the electric toothbrush includes a shaft. The shaft includes a cam. The motor acts to rotate the shaft. The first brush portion is connected to act on the cam for the first movement. The second brush portion is longitudinally separated from the first brush portion and is coupled to the cam to act separately for the second motion. The second exercise is different from the first exercise.

  For example, the second brush portion can include a pivot portion located in the body of the second brush portion and disposed transversely to the longitudinal axis of the second brush portion, the pivot portion including the second brush portion. It acts to pivotably connect to the head portion of the toothbrush. The second brush portion includes a cam contact surface on its bottom surface. The cam contact surface acts to rest on the surface of the cam and rocks the second brush portion in the vicinity of the pivoting portion.

  One advantage of the present invention resides in a separate, supplemental cleaning movement provided by each of the first and second bristle holders.

  Another advantage of the present invention is that a separate, supplemental cleaning movement is provided in a simple and economical toothbrush.

  Still further advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading and understanding the following detailed description.

  The present invention may take the form of various components and arrangements of components, and various procedures and arrangements of procedures. The drawings are only for purposes of illustrating the preferred embodiments and are not to be construed or interpreted as limiting the invention.

  With reference to the drawings, in FIG. 1, the toothbrush is a handle 10 at the first end of the toothbrush, a head 11 at the second end of the toothbrush, a neck 9 extending therebetween, a rotating shaft 12 extending from the handle to the head. And a generally circular bristle holder 13 having a plurality of tufts of hair embedded therein, each tuft 8 including a plurality of bristles. Although the rechargeable power supply is replaceable with batteries 15 and 16, the handle provides a compartment for holding the electric motor 14 and the two batteries 15 and 16. The shaft connection 17 is arranged to grip one end of the shaft 12 and allows the shaft to be withdrawn for cleaning or replacement as described below.

  The head 11 supports a column 18, as seen better in FIG. 2, which provides the bristle holder 13 with a rotational or oscillating pivot axis 40. The bristles 19 are shown in FIG. 2 for illustrative purposes only. The shaft 12 has an integrally molded distal end 20 that is offset from the central longitudinal axis 21 of the shaft. The distal end 20 fits into a slot 22 (see FIG. 3) formed in the side of the bristle holder 13. It is noted that the end portion 20 points to the intersection of the first axis 21 and the pivot axis 40 of the column 18. In one embodiment, the columns are arranged so that the pivot axis 40 is substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis 21 of the shaft. The pivot axis 40 is also substantially parallel to the direction in which the bristle 19 extends. Although this arrangement is preferred, it is contemplated that the pillars 18 may be arranged differently. For example, the pillars 18 are at an angle where the pivot axis 40 is not substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 21 of the shaft, but forms an acute angle between them to provide a swinging or pivoting activity around the pivot axis 40. May be. When the shaft 12 is rotated by the motor 14, the distal end 20 draws a circle around the shaft 12 and engages with the slot 22 to be driven to vibrate the bristle holder 13 around the pivot axis of the bristle holder 13. Or vibrate. In this regard, the formed distal end 20 may be considered a cam or gear tooth. Shaking means moving back and forth or left and right. To vibrate means to move back and forth between two points. A cam is a formed component or part of a component that determines the movement of the follower. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the slot 22 ends closed and extends between the pair of adjacent pores radially inwardly less than the distance from the outer periphery of the holder to the center. Therefore, the bristle holder 13 pivots back and forth near the center of the column 18 and vibrates or rotates. Turning means turning around the turning axis or as if turning around the turning axis. To rotate is to turn around an axis or center. Such movement provides a first associated movement between the head 11 and the hair 19 and is generally beneficial for effective cleaning of the teeth. The width of the slot 22 is preferably approximately the same as the diameter of the end piece 20, leaving minimal play, which keeps noise in use to a minimum.

  Preferably, the motor 14 operates at about 6000 revolutions per minute. If desired, the motor can operate at other speeds, or can be arranged to operate at two or more speeds that can be selected by the user. FIG. 1 shows a toothbrush in which the holder 13 oscillates, vibrates or rotates to an angle of 30 °. In FIG. 2, the angle is 35 °, and in FIG. 5, the angle is 15 °. Thus, it is understood that the angle of rotation can be selected by attaching various shafts 12 and the same bristle holder can be used for all angles.

  Each bristle holder 13, as seen in FIG. 3, can be used with a different slot for better balancing, or when one slot is worn or when the bristle wears out during use. In addition, more than one slot 22 facing each other may be provided. In other words, the holder 13 can then be installed in two or more rotational positions. The holder 13 is preferably easily removable from the head 11 by, for example, a spring clipped to the column 18. This removal allows for better cleaning and storage in a sanitary container, and also allows the shaft 12 to be easily pulled out and replaced when needed.

  The described shaft 12 is preferably integrally molded, i.e. a single length of thin rod, formed as shown. However, the distal end or cam 20 can be formed or provided separately and arranged to be secured to the straight end portion of the shaft or elsewhere on the shaft. Such a separate part may be a brush having a central axis that coincides with the axis 21 of the shaft and a drive column off the center. The drive column then takes the position and function of the distal end or cam 20. Thus, the drive column and slot 22 then form a drive fit between the shaft and the holder 13, and the drive column can be considered the distal end of the shaft.

  In some embodiments of the invention, it is also possible, but usually not very convenient, to place the holder 13 in a hinged manner on one side, for example the opposite side of the shaft. In such a case, the bristles attached near the hinged pivot axis do not actually move as much as the bristles on the next side of the shaft, but still vibrate significantly.

  It will also be appreciated that the bristle holder 13 need not be circular, whether swiveling and rotating or moving in a hinged manner. However, a circular holder 13 is usually preferred and its rotational position can be changed as described above if desired. While the shaft arrangements described above are preferred, it is contemplated that other shaft arrangements can be used with the present invention. For example, the arrangement described in US Pat. No. 5,732,432, which is incorporated herein by reference, may be adapted to mechanical misalignment and mechanical strain of the shaft in use. It may be substituted. Furthermore, the head 11 may be provided in a form that is easily removable from the handle 10. This can be accomplished using an arrangement that connects the head shaft and the body portion. Such an arrangement is known in the art. For example, the head portion and handle portion may include mating slots and protrusions and / or tabs and grooves to lock or secure. The shaft can be divided into two parts, each part including a connecting element. The connection is achieved, for example, in a keyed arrangement. For example, the connecting element may include a male and female mating spline added to each shaft portion end. Further, the slot 22 may be replaced by a swaying plate as described in US Pat. No. 5,784,743, which is incorporated herein by reference.

  With further reference to FIGS. 8-18, an embodiment of a reinforced electric toothbrush 810 includes a first bristle holder 814 that is similar to the bristle holder 13 described above. The reinforced toothbrush 810 has a head 816 and a body or handle 817. Of course, the reinforced toothbrush includes a motor 819 and a battery that provides power to the motor. The head portion 816 has a longitudinal axis 818. The first bristle holder 814 is described as being circular. However, other forms of bristle holders are also contemplated and within the scope of the present invention. The first bristle holder 814 includes at least one slot (see FIG. 3) as described above for receiving the distal end, or a drive shaft 820 as described with reference to FIGS. It can be. The distal end of the drive shaft (see FIG. 3) is bent or deviated from the central longitudinal axis 21 (see FIG. 3) of the drive shaft 820 as described above. The motor 819 acts to rotate the shaft 820. In short, with respect to the structure and operation of the shaft 820 with respect to the first bristle holder 814, the reinforced toothbrush 810 is similar to the toothbrush described with reference to FIGS. However, the embodiment of the reinforced electric toothbrush 810 also includes a second bristle holder disposed adjacent to the first bristle holder, such as the second bristle holder 822. While it is desirable to place the second bristle holder directly adjacent to the first bristle holder, it is contemplated that a gap may be provided between the first bristle holder and the second bristle holder. In addition, the space between the movable first bristle holder and the movable second bristle holder is embedded in a fixed or stationary third bristle holder (not shown) that forms part of the toothbrush head. Or filled with fixed hair. In many embodiments of a reinforced electric toothbrush, the second bristle holder is movable and is separately coupled to and thereby driven separately from a drive shaft, such as drive shaft 820. The movable second bristle holder has a distinct orientation and / or different from the rotating or hinged pivoting motion described with reference to FIGS. 1-7 in a particular embodiment. Or it can move in a way.

  For example, with reference to FIG. 9, the second bristle holder 910 is movably mounted in the slot 912 of the toothbrush head 816 and is substantially perpendicular to the direction of the longitudinal axis 818 by an eccentric cam 914 included in the drive shaft 918. Drive separately in the direction with a seismic lateral movement. The cams 914 and other cams described next are shown in other embodiments as shown in the example of FIG. 9A and as will be described next, as shown in FIGS. As seen in view, the shaft 918 may include one or more bends. Alternatively, the cam 914 can be provided as a separate part and attached to the shaft 918 by adhesive, press or snap fit, co-molding, or other mechanical or chemical means known in the art. Optionally, the drive shaft is supported by shaft support 920. The cam follower 922 hangs from the bottom surface 924 of the second bristle holder 910. The cam follower 922 is off the longitudinal axis 926 of the second bristle holder. When the motor 819 of the reinforcing toothbrush 810 rotates the shaft 918, the cam 914 contacts the cam contact surface 928 of the cam follower 922 to drive the cam follower 922, so that the second bristle holder 910 is reinforced. Away from the longitudinal axis 818 of head portion 816 toward one side 930 of 810. As the shaft 918 continues to rotate, the cam 914 moves away from the cam follower 922. A resilient biasing member, such as a spring 934, between the wall of the head portion 816 and the second surface of the cam follower pushes the cam follower 922, and thus pushes the second bristle holder 910 to the length of the head portion 816. Return toward direction axis 818. When this back-and-forth or left-right motion is repeated (the shaft 918 continues to rotate), a complementary sweeping or brushing motion is provided, unlike the motion provided by the first bristle holder 814. The stroke (reciprocating back and forth) and / or frequency of the second bristle holder 910 can be changed by changing the configuration of the spring and the arrangement and / or dimensions of the cam 914 and cam follower 922. For example, the cam follower 922 may be positioned closer to the axis 926 to provide a shorter stroke, or a cam follower 922 or a stronger spring may be provided to return the second bristle holder 910 back. Or one or more springs may be provided. Alternatively, the cam follower 922 may form an acute angle with the bottom surface 924 of the second bristle holder 910, or the first surface may be flat as shown in FIG. 9 for a precise curve, or for other complex features. Can be provided opposite the surface.

  With reference to FIG. 10, in a second embodiment of the reinforced toothbrush 810, the second bristle holder 1010 is movably attached to the slot 1012 of the toothbrush head 816 and is connected to a hinge or pivot 1014 by a cam 1016 included in the drive shaft 1018. Drive separately with nearby seismic, shaking or swirling motions. The cam 1016 can include one or more bends in the shaft 1018 or can be provided as a separate part as discussed above. Optionally, the drive shaft is supported by shaft support 1020. The cam contact surface 1022 is located on the bottom surface of the second bristle holder 1010. When the motor 819 of the reinforcing toothbrush 810 rotates the shaft 1018, the cam 1016 contacts the cam contact surface 1022 and drives or pushes the second bristle holder 1010 to sway the second bristle holder near the hinge or pivot 1014 or Turn. As shaft 1018 continues to rotate, cam 1016 moves away from cam contact surface 1022. In use, when the cam 1016 contacts the cam contact surface 1022, the bristles of the second bristle holder 1010 are pressed against the user's teeth with greater force. Preferably, the bristles of the second bristle holder 1010 are pressed between the user's teeth to provide the function of cleaning and brushing. As the cam moves away from the contact surface 1022, the hair pushing the user's teeth moves the second bristle holder away from the user's teeth. When this swinging or pivoting motion is repeated (when the shaft 1018 continues to rotate), a complementary polishing or deep cleaning motion is provided, unlike the motion provided by the first bristle holder 814.

  With reference to FIG. 11, in the third embodiment of the reinforced toothbrush 810, the second bristle holder 1110 is movably attached to the slot 1112 of the toothbrush head 816, and the cam 1116 included in the drive shaft 1118 causes vibration in the slot 1112. Separate in a lifting or vertical pulsating movement (eg, in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 1114 and substantially parallel to the surface 1115 of the second bristle holder 1110 as shown by the example of FIG. 11) To drive. Optionally, the drive shaft is supported by a shaft support 1120. The cam 1116 may include one or more bends in the shaft 1118 or may be provided as a separate part as discussed above. The cam contact surface 1122 is located on the bottom surface of the second bristle holder 1110. When the motor 819 (see FIG. 8) of the reinforcing toothbrush 810 rotates the shaft 1118, the cam 1116 contacts the cam contact surface 1122, and the second bristle holder in an oscillating, lifting or vertical pulsating motion. 1110 is driven or lifted to move the second bristle holder away from the head portion 816 and lift or beat in a direction toward the teeth of the toothbrush user (not shown). As the shaft 1118 continues to rotate, the cam 1116 moves away from the cam contact surface 1122. In use, when the cam 1016 contacts the cam contact surface 1122, the bristles of the second bristle holder 1110 are pressed against the user's teeth with varying degrees of force. Preferably, the bristles of the second bristle holder 1110 are pressed between the user's teeth to provide the function of cleaning and brushing. As the cam moves away from the contact surface 1122, the hair pushing the user's teeth moves the second bristle holder away from the user's teeth and back toward the head portion 816. When this lifting or vertical pulsating motion is repeated (when the shaft 1018 continues to rotate), a complementary polishing or deep cleaning motion is provided, unlike the motion provided by the first bristle holder 814. .

  With reference to FIG. 12, in a fourth embodiment of the reinforced toothbrush 810, the second bristle holder 1210 is movable in a slot in the toothbrush head 816 (not shown but similar to the slot 912 described in FIG. 9). And is driven separately by a longitudinal reciprocating or moving motion in the groove by a cam 1216 included in the drive shaft 1218. Optionally, the shaft is supported by a shaft support 1217. The shaft support may include a C or U-shaped portion (not shown) that acts to receive and snap around the shaft. Other means for holding the shaft on the support are known in the art. The cam 1216 may include a formed bead having a suitable eccentric circular shape placed or molded over the shaft 1218 and secured thereto. In one embodiment, cam 1216 includes a pair of acutely angled surfaces 1219, 1220 that are inclined in the same direction and at the same angle of inclination, but disposed at opposite ends of cam 1216. The direction and angle of tilt can be varied as desired to vary the frequency and stroke of the second bristle holder 1210. The first and second cam followers 1222 and 1226 hang from the bottom surface of the second bristle holder 1210. The cam followers 1222, 1226 are offset from or spaced from the transverse axis 1230 of the second bristle holder. Cam followers 1222, 1226 straddle and / or capture cam 1216, and angled surfaces 1219, 1220 slidably fit with the free ends of cam followers 1222 and 1226. When the motor 819 (see FIG. 8) of the reinforcing toothbrush 810 rotates the shaft 1218, the first surface 1220 forming an acute angle of the cam 1216 comes into contact with the surface of the first cam follower 1222, and the cam follower is driven. As a result, the second bristle holder 1210 is moved away from the first bristle holder 814 along the longitudinal axis 818 of the head portion 816. As the shaft 918 continues to rotate, the cam 1216 moves away from the first cam follower 1222. The second surface 1219 forming the acute angle of the cam 1216 then contacts the surface of the second cam follower 1226 to drive the second cam follower 1226 and thus drive the second bristle holder 1210 to cause the first bristle. Return to the holder 814. When this back-and-forth motion is repeated (when the shaft 918 continues to rotate), the reciprocating or moving motion that is complementary provides the rubbing motion, unlike the motion provided by the first bristle holder 814.

  13 and 14, in the fifth embodiment of the reinforced toothbrush 810, the second bristle holder 1310 has a slot in the toothbrush head 816 (not shown but similar to the slot 912 described in FIG. 9). Are independently driven in a longitudinal reciprocating or moving motion by a cam 1316 included in a drive shaft 1318. Optionally, the shaft is supported by a shaft support 1317. The shaft support may include a C or U-shaped portion (not shown) that receives and snaps around the shaft. Other means for holding the shaft on the support are known in the art. The cam 1316 is inherently sinusoidal or curvilinear and has one or more adjacent arcuate bends 1319 and 1320 on the shaft 1318. Each of the arcuate bends 1319, 1320 has a vertex 1321 that is disposed on opposite sides of the drive shaft 1318. The cam follower 1322 hangs from the bottom surface 1323 of the second bristle holder 1310 and is disposed between the apexes 1321 of the cam 1316. When the motor 819 of the reinforcing toothbrush 810 rotates the shaft 1318, the first surface 1325 of the cam 1316 contacts the first surface 1324 of the cam follower 1322, and drives the cam follower 1322, resulting in the second bristle. The holder 1310 is moved away from the first bristle holder 814 in a direction along the longitudinal axis 818 of the fruit head portion 816. As the shaft 918 continues to rotate, the first surface 1325 of the cam 1316 reaches the apex 1321 and moves away from the first cam follower surface 1324. The second surface 1326 of the cam 1316 then contacts the second surface 1426 of the cam follower 1322 to drive the cam follower 1322, thus driving the second bristle holder 1310 toward the first bristle holder 814. return. When this back-and-forth motion is repeated (when the shaft 918 continues to rotate), the reciprocating or moving motion that is complementary provides the rubbing motion, unlike the motion provided by the first bristle holder 814. The stroke and frequency of the reciprocating or moving motion can be varied by changing the gap between the vertices and / or the amplitude or height of the vertices. With reference to FIG. 15, in a sixth embodiment of a reinforced toothbrush 810, a swivel axis 1510 that can be provided in the form of a pin or hinge and is mounted with a transverse axis located in the middle of the second bristle holder 1508, with a second A bristle holder 1508 is movably attached to the toothbrush head 816. In one embodiment, the second bristle holder 1508 pivots around a pin that is secured to the toothbrush neck or sidewall of the head 816 at the midpoint of the second bristle holder 1508. The second bristle holder 1508 is separately driven in an oscillating, wobbling, wobbling, or wobbling motion by a cam that includes first and second cam portions 1512, 1514 included in the drive shaft 1518. Optionally, the shaft is supported by a shaft support 1519. The shaft support may include a C or U-shaped portion (not shown) that acts to receive and snap around the shaft. Other means for holding the shaft on the support are known in the art. Cam portions 1512, 1514 may include straight, curved, or other one or more bends in shaft 1518. As illustrated in FIG. 15, the first cam portion 1512 is positioned adjacent to the first side surface of the pivot axis, and the second cam portion 1514 is positioned adjacent to the second side surface of the pivot axis. The second cam portion 1514 can include a distal end of a shaft 1518 or a portion of a cam (not shown but similar to the distal end or cam 20 of FIG. 3). The first and second cam contact surfaces 1520, 1522 are located on the bottom surface of the second bristle holder 1508. As is the case with all described embodiments, the amplitude or height of the bends or eccentrics that make up the first and second cam portions 1512, 1514 reach the cam contact surface concerned and the toothbrush Large enough to drive the second bristle holder toward, into, across, or along the user's teeth to the desired distance. When the motor 819 of the reinforcing toothbrush 810 rotates the shaft 1518, the first cam portion 1512 contacts the first cam contact surface 1520 to drive or lift the first end 1522 of the second bristle holder 1510 (FIG. The first end 1522 is swung or moved about the pivot axis 1510 away from the head portion 816 and toward the teeth of the toothbrush user (not shown). This movement lowers the second end 1526 of the second bristle holder and returns it toward the head portion 816. As shaft 1518 continues to rotate, first cam portion 1512 moves away from first cam contact surface 1520 and second cam portion 1514 engages second cam contact surface 1522. The second cam portion 1514 drives or lifts (with respect to this view) the second end 1526 of the second bristle holder 1508 to move the second end 1522 away from the head portion 816 around the pivot 1510 and the toothbrush user. Shake or move in the direction toward your teeth. This movement lowers the first end 1530 of the second bristle holder and returns it toward the head portion 816. In use, when the first and second cam portions 1512, 1514 alternately contact the first and second cam contact surfaces 1520, 1522, the bristles of the second bristle holder 1508 are applied to the user's teeth with varying degrees of force. Pressed. Preferably, the bristles of the second bristle holder 1508 are pressed between the user's teeth to provide the function of cleaning and brushing. Repeated rocking or pivoting motion (as shaft 1518 continues to rotate) provides a complementary polishing or deep cleaning motion, unlike the motion provided by first bristle holder 814.

  With reference to FIG. 16, in a seventh embodiment of a reinforced toothbrush 810, the pivot bristle 1610, which can be provided in the form of a pin or hinge attached to the transverse axis of the second bristle holder 1608, the second bristle holder 1608 is a toothbrush head. 816 is movably attached. In one embodiment, the second bristle holder 1608 pivots around a pin that is secured to the side wall of the toothbrush neck at the midpoint of the second bristle holder 1608. The transverse axis is, for example, adjacent to the first end 1612 of the second bristle holder 1608. The second bristle holder 1608 is driven separately by a cam 1614 included in the drive shaft 1618 in a vibrational, swinging, pivoting or swinging motion. Optionally, the shaft is supported by a shaft support 1619. The shaft support may include a C or U-shaped portion (not shown) that acts to catch or snap around the shaft. Other means for holding the shaft on the support are known in the art. Cam 1614 may be a portion of the distal end of shaft 1618 (not shown but similar to the distal end of FIG. 3 or cam 20). The cam 1614 can include one or more bends in the shaft 1618. For example, the bend may be a straight, curvilinear, or other type of bend. The cam contact surface 1622 is located on the bottom surface of the second bristle holder 1608 adjacent its second end 1626. As motor 819 of reinforced toothbrush 810 rotates shaft 1618, cam 1614 contacts cam contact surface 1622 to drive or lift second end 1626 of second bristle holder 1608 (with respect to this drawing). The second end 1626 of the two bristle holder 1608 is rocked or moved away from the head portion 816 around the pivot 1610 in a direction toward the toothbrush user's teeth (not shown). As shaft 1618 continues to rotate, cam 1614 moves away from cam contact surface 1622. When the cam 1614 contacts the cam contact surface 1622 during use, the bristles of the second bristle holder 1608 are pressed against the user's teeth with varying degrees of force. Preferably, the bristles of the second bristle holder 1608 are pressed between the user's teeth to provide the function of cleaning and brushing. As the cam moves away from the contact surface 1622, the hair pushing the user's teeth moves the second bristle holder away from the user's teeth and back toward the head portion 816. When this swinging or pivoting motion is repeated (when the shaft 1618 continues to rotate), a complementary polishing or deep cleaning motion is provided, unlike the motion provided by the first bristle holder 814.

  17 and 18, in the eighth embodiment of the reinforced toothbrush 810, the second bristle holder 1810 is movably attached to the slot 1812 of the toothbrush head 816 and is slotted by a cam 1816 included in the drive shaft 1818. Drive separately in a transverse motion that reciprocates or moves within 1812. The cam 1816 may include a suitably formed bead placed or molded over the shaft 1818 and secured thereto. For example, the beads are formed as eccentric cams. Alternatively, the cam may include one or more bends that are straight, curved, or other types. The first and second cam followers 1822, 1826 hang from the bottom surface of the second bristle holder 1810. The cam follower, for example, deviates from the longitudinal axis 818 of the second bristle holder and straddles or captures the cam 1816. When the motor 819 (see FIG. 8) rotates the shaft 1818, the cam 1816 contacts the surface 1821 of the first cam follower 1822 to drive the first cam follower 1822, thereby causing the second bristle holder 1810 to move. A distance from the first side 1828 of the head portion 816 along the transverse axis 1830 of the head portion 816. As the shaft 1818 continues to rotate, the cam 1816 moves away from the first cam follower 1822. The cam 1816 then contacts the surface 1825 of the second cam follower 1826 to drive the second cam follower 1826 and thus drive the second bristle holder 1810 toward the first side 1828 of the head portion 816. return. When this back-and-forth or left-right motion is repeated (the shaft 918 continues to rotate), a complementary sweeping motion is provided, unlike the motion provided by the first bristle holder 814.

  With reference to FIG. 19, in a ninth embodiment of a reinforced toothbrush 810, a second bristle holder 1910 is movably attached to a slot (not shown) in the toothbrush head 816 and reciprocated by a cam 1916 included in the drive shaft 1918. It is driven separately with longitudinal movements that move or move. The cam 1916 may be formed in a suitable shape and include a bead placed or molded on the shaft 1918 and secured thereto. Cam 1916 includes a reverse spiral or spiral groove 1920. The spiral or spiral groove extends around the bead and spirals near the longitudinal axis of the bead. For example, the longitudinal axis coincides with the shaft 1918. The cam follower 1922 hangs from the bottom surface 1923 of the second bristle holder 1910. The cam follower 1922 is slid and received in the spiral groove 1920. When the motor 819 of the reinforcing toothbrush 810 rotates the shaft 1918, the first surface 1924 of the spiral groove 1920 contacts the first surface 1925 of the cam follower 1922 to drive the cam follower 1922, resulting in the second bristle. The holder 1910 is moved away from the first bristle holder 814 along the longitudinal axis 818 of the head portion 816. As the shaft 1918 continues to rotate, the cam follower 1922 reaches the apex 1926 of the spiral groove 1920 and the first surface 1924 of the spiral groove 1920 moves away from the first cam surface 1925. Thereafter, the second surface 1928 of the spiral groove 1920 contacts the second surface 1930 of the cam follower 1922 to drive the cam follower 1922, thus returning the second bristle holder 1910 toward the first bristle holder 814. . When this back and forth motion is repeated (the shaft 918 continues to rotate), a complementary rubbing motion is provided, unlike the motion provided by the first bristle holder 814. Optionally, cam 1916 is attached eccentrically to shaft 1918 and the longitudinal axis of bead or cam 1916 does not coincide with shaft 1918. In this case, if the cam follower 1922 is made long enough to rest on the bottom of the spiral groove 1920, when the eccentrically mounted cam is rotated by the shaft, the lifting or vertical pulsing force is the second. Provided to the bristle holder. Alternatively or additionally, the depth of the groove can be varied. The change in depth provides a cam follower, and thus a lifting or vertical pulsing force on the second bristle holder. When the spiral groove surrounds the bead, it may be replaced with a groove that circulates several times back and forth along the longitudinal axis of the bead. This type of groove can be used to increase the frequency of reciprocation of the second bristle holder.

  Although embodiments of the present invention are described with bristles extending in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 818 and the surface of the bristle holder (eg, see 1115 in FIG. 11) for simplicity, the first and / or first It is contemplated that the bristles may be arranged differently to supplement or further enhance the movement of the two bristle holder. With reference to FIG. 20, some or all of the bristles may extend in a direction that forms an acute angle 2008 with respect to the hair holder surface 2006, and for each of the bristles 2010 and 2014, as illustrated by the example of FIG. , Extending in the direction toward or away from the handle. With reference to FIG. 21, in another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 21 for bristles 2110 and 2114, some of the bristles extend outward in another direction away from the head, and further the surface of the bristle holder An acute angle 2108 may be formed. Massage hair as described in U.S. Patent Design Nos. 330,286 and 434,563 or hairs of various heights may also be used, the gist of which is incorporated herein by reference. Incorporate into. Other preferred hair arrangements suitable for use include US Pat. Nos. 6,006,394, 4,081,876, 5,046,213, 5,335,389, 5, No. 392,483, No. 5,446,940, No. 4,894,880, and PCT International Publication No. WO99 / 23910. Cited and incorporated herein.

  The invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments. Upon reading and understanding this specification, improvements and changes will occur. For example, one cam is described as including a bend in the shaft, while another cam is described as including a suitably formed bead secured to the shaft, but the cam is in the form shown. Not limited. In fact, the bend may be replaced by a bead, or the bead may be replaced by a bend. For example, FIG. 22 illustrates a tenth embodiment that is similar to the fifth embodiment described in FIGS. However, in the tenth embodiment, the cam 2216 is formed as a suitably formed complex bead that is fixedly disposed on or molded with the shaft 2218. Where the first and second cam portions or surfaces are described or referenced, those portions or surfaces may be considered separate cams or implemented as separate cams. If the cam or cam portion is described as one eccentric or bent shape, multiple eccentric circles or bent shapes may be included. Each added eccentric or bent shape increases the frequency with which the associated bristle holder oscillates, beats, swivels, swirls, swings, vibrates, reciprocates, or moves. Furthermore, when multiple eccentric circles are included, they may have different amplitudes and provide different amplitudes of bristle holder motion. All such modifications and changes are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims or their equivalents.

It is a cross-sectional bottom view of a toothbrush. Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the toothbrush of Figure 1; It is a cross-sectional bottom view of FIG. FIG. 3 is an opposing side view of FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is the same view of FIG. 2 on a different scale of a different toothbrush. FIG. 4 is the same view of FIG. 3 on a different scale of a different toothbrush. FIG. 5 is the same view of FIG. 4 on a different scale of a different toothbrush. It is a bottom view of the reinforced toothbrush which has a 2nd bristle holder. The toothbrush is shown in partial sections. It is sectional drawing taken along AA of FIG. 8 of 1st Embodiment of the head part of a toothbrush. It is a partial section side view of a 1st embodiment. It is sectional drawing taken along AA of FIG. 8 of 2nd Embodiment of the head part of a toothbrush. It is sectional drawing taken along AA of FIG. 8 of 3rd Embodiment of the head part of a toothbrush. FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of the fourth embodiment of the toothbrush head taken along B-B in FIG. 8. FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of the fifth embodiment of the toothbrush head taken along B-B in FIG. 8. FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of the fifth embodiment of the toothbrush head taken along B-B in FIG. 8. The shaft is shown rotating to a position different from that shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of the sixth embodiment of the toothbrush head taken along B-B in FIG. 8. FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of the seventh embodiment of the toothbrush head taken along B-B in FIG. 8. It is a bottom view of the head part of 9th Embodiment of a toothbrush. FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of the ninth embodiment of the toothbrush head taken along B-B in FIG. 8. FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of the tenth embodiment of the toothbrush head taken along B-B in FIG. 8. FIG. 3 is a side view of a toothbrush showing a representative first alternating bristle arrangement. FIG. 9 is an end view taken along DD in FIG. 8 showing an exemplary second hair arrangement. FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along lines BB of FIG. 8 of a second implementation of the fifth embodiment showing an alternate cam design.

Claims (39)

An electric toothbrush,
A handle at a first end of the electric toothbrush having a motor disposed therein;
A head at a second end of the electric toothbrush, having a longitudinal axis and having a first bristle holder comprising a plurality of bristle tufts and a second bristle holder comprising a plurality of bristle tufts; And each tuft of the first bristle holder and the second bristle holder has a head having a base end connected to the corresponding bristle holder and a free end opposite thereto,
A rotatable shaft operatively connected to the motor and having a longitudinal axis and a cam, the cam engaging the second bristle holder to place the second bristle holder on the head Moving in the left-right direction, the base end of the tuft of the second bristle holder is synchronized with the free end of the tuft of hair and moves in the same direction, and the rotatable shaft comprises the first bristle A rotatable shaft that engages the holder and passes through the first bristle holder and vibrates the first bristle holder about an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the head; electric toothbrush.   The electric toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein the second bristle holder is moved in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the head.   The second bristle holder further includes a first cam follower and a second cam follower that catch the cam of the rotatable shaft, and the first cam follower is a first rotation of the rotatable shaft. The electric toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein the cam follows the cam during a half cycle, and the second cam follower follows the cam during a second half cycle of the rotatable shaft.   The electric toothbrush according to claim 3, wherein the cam is an eccentric member fixed to the rotatable shaft, or is a part of the rotatable shaft.   The electric toothbrush according to claim 1, further comprising a gap between the first bristle holder and the second bristle holder.   The electric toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein the cam is a bend in the rotatable shaft.   The electric toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein the first bristle holder is driven by a farthest end of the rotatable shaft.   The movable first bristle holder has therein a slot that engages the farthest end of the rotatable shaft, and the farthest end of the rotatable shaft is the longitudinal axis of the rotatable shaft. The electric toothbrush according to claim 7 which has come off from.   The electric toothbrush according to claim 7, wherein the farthest end is displaced from the cam.   The electric headbrush according to claim 9, wherein the head further includes a shaft support body positioned between the first bristle holder and the second bristle holder.   The electric toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein the rotatable shaft passes through a lower portion of the movable second bristle holder and does not pass through a lower portion of the first bristle holder.   The electric toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein the first bristle holder vibrates around an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the head.   The plurality of hair tresses of the second bristle holder form at least one row of hair tresses, the at least one row of hair tresses being in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the head The electric toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein the electric toothbrush moves.   The electric toothbrush according to claim 13, wherein the at least one row of bristle of the second bristle holder is oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the head.   The plurality of hair tresses of the second hair holder form at least two rows of hair tresses, and the at least two rows of hair tresses of the second hair holder are in the longitudinal axis of the head. The electric toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein the electric toothbrush moves in a direction substantially perpendicular to the same simultaneously.   The electric toothbrush according to claim 15, wherein the at least two rows of bristle tufts of the second bristle holder move in substantially the same direction and substantially simultaneously.   The electric toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein the first bristle holder is located at a distal end of the head.   The second bristle holder further includes a first follower and a second follower hanging from the second bristle holder and straddling the rotatable shaft, wherein the first follower and the second follower are The electric toothbrush according to claim 1 which guides the movement of the two bristle holder.   The electric toothbrush according to claim 18, wherein the head further includes a slot, and the second bristle holder is movably mounted in the slot.   The second bristle holder further comprises a top surface, and at least a portion of the plurality of bristle tufts of the second bristle holder forms an acute angle with the top surface of the second bristle holder. The electric toothbrush described.   The head further includes a first side and a second side extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the head, and the head of the second bristle holder forms an acute angle with the top surface of the second bristle holder. 21. The electric toothbrush of claim 20, wherein a tuft of hair extends generally toward the first side or the second side.   21. The first bristle holder further comprises a top surface, and at least a portion of the plurality of hair tresses of the first bristle holder forms an acute angle with the top surface of the first bristle holder. Electric toothbrush.   The head further includes a first side and a second side extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the head, and the head of the second bristle holder forms an acute angle with the top surface of the second bristle holder. 23. The electric toothbrush of claim 22, wherein a tuft of hair extends generally toward the first side or the second side. An electric toothbrush,
A handle at a first end of the electric toothbrush having a motor disposed therein;
A head at a second end of the electric toothbrush, having a longitudinal axis and having a first bristle holder comprising a plurality of bristle tufts and a second bristle holder comprising a plurality of bristle tufts; And each tuft of the first bristle holder and the second bristle holder has a head having a base end connected to the corresponding bristle holder and a free end opposite thereto,
A rotatable shaft operatively connected to the motor and having a longitudinal axis and a cam, wherein the cam engages the second bristle holder to place the second bristle holder in the head. Moving in the left-right direction, substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the base end of the tuft of the second bristle holder is synchronized with the free end of the tuft of hair, moves in the same direction and is rotatable The farthest end of the shaft is engaged with the first bristle holder and passes through the first bristle holder and the first bristle holder about an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the head An electric toothbrush comprising a rotatable shaft and a vibrating shaft.   The second bristle holder further includes a first cam follower and a second cam follower that catch the cam of the rotatable shaft, and the first cam follower is a first rotation of the rotatable shaft. 25. The electric toothbrush of claim 24, wherein the cam follows the cam during a half cycle, and the second cam follower follows the cam during a second half cycle of the rotatable shaft.   26. The electric toothbrush according to claim 25, wherein the cam is an eccentric member fixed to the rotatable shaft or a part of the rotatable shaft.   25. The electric toothbrush of claim 24, wherein the cam is a bend in the rotatable shaft.   The electric toothbrush according to claim 24, wherein the head further comprises a shaft support located between the first bristle holder and the second bristle holder.   The second bristle holder further includes a first follower and a second follower hanging from the second bristle holder and straddling the rotatable shaft, wherein the first follower and the second follower are The electric toothbrush according to claim 24, wherein the electric toothbrush guides movement of the two bristle holder.   30. The electric toothbrush of claim 29, wherein the head further includes a slot, and the second bristle holder is movably mounted in the slot.   25. The second bristle holder further comprises a top surface, and at least a portion of the plurality of hair tresses of the second bristle holder forms an acute angle with the top surface of the second bristle holder. Electric toothbrush.   The head further includes a first side and a second side extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the head, and the head of the second bristle holder forms an acute angle with the top surface of the second bristle holder. 32. The electric toothbrush of claim 31, wherein a tuft of hair extends generally toward the first side or the second side.   32. The first bristle holder further comprises a top surface, and at least a portion of the plurality of hair tresses of the first bristle holder forms an acute angle with the top surface of the first bristle holder. Electric toothbrush.   The head further includes a first side and a second side extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the head, and the head of the second bristle holder forms an acute angle with the top surface of the second bristle holder. 34. The electric toothbrush of claim 33, wherein a tuft of hair extends generally toward the first side or the second side.   32. The electric toothbrush according to claim 31, wherein the first bristle holder is located at a distal end of the head.   The electric toothbrush according to claim 24, wherein the plurality of bristle tufts of the second bristle holder form at least one row of bristle tufts.   37. The electric toothbrush of claim 36, wherein the at least one row of bristle of the second bristle holder is oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the head.   The plurality of hair tresses of the second bristle holder form at least two rows of hair tresses, and the at least two rows of hair tresses of the second bristle holder are in the longitudinal axis of the head. The electric toothbrush according to claim 24, wherein the electric toothbrush moves in a direction substantially perpendicular to the same simultaneously.   39. The electric toothbrush of claim 38, wherein the at least two rows of bristle tufts of the second bristle holder move in substantially the same direction and substantially simultaneously.

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